Johnson, Gordon gear up for 'high-spirited races' on Disney Junior

By Catherine Hogue

CONCORD, N.C. -- Disney Junior is racing into the new year with "Mickey and the Roadster Racers," a car-racing adventure series for preschoolers, featuring Mickey Mouse and his Disney friends, along with several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, including Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

The first episode of the series -- which features Johnson's animated character -- will premier Sunday, Jan. 15 at 9 a.m. ET and 9:25 a.m. ET on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, respectively. Two additional episodes will air Monday, Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. ET and 9:25 a.m. ET on Disney Channel. Episodes will also be available on the Disney Junior app and Disney Junior VOD, as well as on iTunes.

The series follows Mickey, his friends and their transforming vehicles as they race around the world and in their hometown of Hot Dog Hills. Off the track, Minnie and Daisy Duck run the Happy Helpers business, offering a helping hand to anyone in need.

Johnson and Gordon appear as recurring race car drivers Jiminy Johnson and Gordon Gear, respectively. The two join a star-studded guest cast which includes Jay Leno, Gordon Ramsay and Hoda Kotb, among others.

Designed for children ages two to seven, the episodes and story lines are geared toward teaching kids social and emotional lessons about friendship, teamwork, optimism and good sportsmanship.